Taxi fares to be frozen in Liverpool

TAXI fares are to be frozen after an increase of between 20p and 30p last year.

TAXI fares are to be frozen after an increase of between 20p and 30p last year.

The city’s drivers decided they would not apply to the council for an increase in the charges.

Terry Stockton, the taxi trade representative, said: “With Christmas coming, a lot of our customers are going to be feeling the pinch this year and we did not think it was right that we should be asking for a fare rise.

“Like every other business we have faced increased costs but we have decided not to pass them on to our customers – we know this would cause real difficulties for those who rely on Hackney cabs. It’s our early present to those people who support the taxi trade.”

The current day rate for Hackney cabs is £2.20 for the first 330 yards, then 20p for each following 232 yards up to 11,002 yards. For each 330 yards after that it costs 30p.

At night – between 11pm and 6am – the equivalent rate is £2.75 and 25p.

Joe Anderson, the Mayor of Liverpool, welcomed the freeze.

He said: “The drivers are to be congratulated on not trying to increase the burden on people in these difficult economic times.

“Despite being under financial pressures themselves they have clearly recognised that a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet and this gesture will be appreciated.”

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